Photoconductive charging processes

Abstract

A process for charging layered imaging members by the transfer of ions thereto from an ionically conductive medium.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A process for charging layered imaging members by the transfer of ions thereto from an ionically conductive gel medium. 
     
     
       2. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the gel is a hydrogel of a polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, polyvinylether, polypyrrolidinone, or polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate. 
     
     
       3. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the conductive medium is comprised of an ionically conductive solid. 
     
     
       4. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein ion charges of a negative polarity, or ion charges of a positive polarity are transferred. 
     
     
       5. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein a voltage is applied to the gel. 
     
     
       6. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein said members are comprised of organic photoconductive imaging members. 
     
     
       7. A process in accordance with claim 6 wherein the organic photoconductive imaging members are comprised of a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer and a charge transport layer. 
     
     
       8. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the imaging members are in contact with the ionically conductive gel medium. 
     
     
       9. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein the imaging members are moved while in contact with the ionically conductive gel medium. 
     
     
       10. A process in accordance with claim 9 wherein movement is by rotation of said imaging members. 
     
     
       11. A process in accordance with claim 9 wherein movement is accomplished by a belt. 
     
     
       12. A process in accordance with claim 1 wherein there are further included in said ionically conductive gel medium solid salts of the formula M +  X - , where M +  is a positively charged organic or inorganic molecular species, and X -  is a negatively charged organic or inorganic molecular species, and ozone emersion is avoided. 
     
     
       13. An ozone free process for the ionic conduction charging of photoconductive imaging members which comprises contacting an ionically conductive liquid and wherein said liquid is comprised of water with the surface of the imaging member, and applying a voltage to the water while moving the imaging member thereby enabling the transfer of ions to said member, wherein movement is by rotation at high speeds of from about 0.1 inch to about 50 inches per second of said imaging members, transfer of ions results from the application of an electric field or an impressed voltage across the water imaging member interface, and the water is delivered to the imaging member by sponge, a open cell foam, a roll, a blade, and/or a wick, and wherein said water is distilled water wherein the liquid is delivered to the imaging member by a sponge, an open cell foam, a roll, a blade and/or a wick.